Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a major cause of death for infants from birth to 12 months old. African Americans and Native Americans have the highest death rates.

"Babies Sleep Safest on their Backs," is the promotional message for the month of October for SIDS and will be used to educate care givers, parents, baby sitters, individuals and pregnant women.

There are a number of fundraisers throughout communities, the state and the nation to bring awareness and help in the education of the public to reduce the risk of SIDS in households around the world.

"The Amici Club is currently selling large pink and blue combination ribbons for $10 each to the community as a remembrance of this special month," Jean Pollard, a member of the club, said.

These ribbons, which are in memory of "Angel Babies," who are lost during pregnancy or stillbirth, can be hung outside businesses or homes upon receipt of the ribbon.

"The day of remembrance is set for Oct. 15 and a ceremony will be held on that evening at 7 p.m. outside on the parking lot of the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie," Pollard said. "We light luminaries and reading the names."

Tonya Brickey, Arkansas County Health Unit Administrator, said the Arkansas County Health Department at the DeWitt and Stuttgart facilities, has a great deal of material on SIDS.

"People can stop by both offices in the county and pick up these materials free of charge," Brickey said.

For more information, contact the Arkansas County Health units in DeWitt at (870) 946-2934 or in Stuttgart at (870) 673-1609.